Monday, August 29, 2011

Alton Mill/ Our World

 Alton Mill, Ontario

Built in 1881, this building was originally a knitting mill that manufactured fleece-lined long underwear. (Yep, really!) Then in 1935 the mill was converted to manufacture rubber products such as balloons for Disney and (believe it or not) condoms for Canadian troops during the Second World War.

The mill was closed in 1982, the longest running water-powered mill on the upper Credit River system.

 Machinery from inside the mill

But the mill has been restored and is now the Alton Mill Creative Art Studios.

 A foundation outside the main building

Outside the studios is an outdoor gallery of works by sculptor Ted Fullerton. One of his scultures is called Squaring the Circle.

Squaring the Circle

On a sign near this sculpture: The symbolic association of red and green align with the notion of the perfect balance of the vertical (the mystical) and the horizontal (life experience). creating a balance of the "mystery of life"or "creation." The square with it's perfect proportions has become a symbol, in particular within Eastern culture,of the womb, suggesting the mystery of realization or life (cycle). The female form is placed on a plinth as a sign of veneration.

More photos from Our World can be seen by clicking HERE.

45 comments:

TexWisGirl said...

interesting sculpture. i am glad the mill is still being utilized and cared for.

MadSnapper said...

LOVE LOVE the building, the statue is a little iffy for my taste. it is a beautiful spot and I would like to visit it.

Darla said...

Great that the mill is still being used. The sculpture in interesting. I imagine the size would also impact the effect when you see it in person.

Darla

Kate said...

Happy to hear that this historic building is being preserved and appreciated. Thanks for all the information, too!

Lois Evensen said...

What a really wonderful place for an art studio!

Halcyon said...

What an interesting place! From long underwear to condoms... :)
I love that sculpture too. Glad that you told us a little more about it.

ArtandArchitecture-SF.com said...

It is always wonderful when historic reuse takes place instead of destruction, and especially when it is given over to such great reuse. The sculpture is fabulous, especially in that setting. Love your shot, great color contrasts.

Anonymous said...

What a cool place :) Thanks for stopping by and commenting on my blog.

don said...

I'm glad this famous old place is still finding use today. Nice series with the informative comment.

Jack said...

Nice to see the old mill retained for the arts. Was that explanation of the sculpture written by a random word generator?

Leora said...

Scratching head trying to figure out the sculpture. Love your first shot of the mill. I would love to feel more circlish, less square.

VioletSky said...

This is such an interesting place to explore. I must admit, I also scratch my head about most of the sculptures there!

Small City Scenes said...

Old mills are so neat and I am so glad this one is being used. Not as a mill but perfect as an art form itself.

Love your Hollyhock shots. MB

RedPat said...

Great building - I like the sculpture from a distance but not so much up close!
The hollyhocks are beautiful.

Kim, USA said...

As far as ww2 there is already a condom? That I didn't know hehe. I learned a lot from your post today thanks!! ^_^

Buttons Thoughts said...

Oh I would love to visit this place. Your photos are fantastic. The history and the statues and meanings I am so intrigued. This is a great post. Thank you. B

Carver said...

What a great new use for the old mill. Wow, fleece lined long underwear. That's a new one on me. Beautiful old building.

Tania said...

It is very interesting sculpture and art.
I like your pictures, especially no. 1, great reflection in the window.
Happy week to you!:-)

Al said...

Nice photos, that looks like a wonderful old building. Although the sculpture isn't quite my style.

Anonymous said...

i really like the sculpture, aesthetically and symbolically.

Ebie said...

That's a neat sculpture! I love how they put a name on the art!

Snap said...

Interesting history about the mill and wonderful that it was restored and is being used by artists. I just hate when old things are knocked down ... called useless ... perhaps it's because I'm getting older!! :D :D

Rose said...

Another place I wish I could see in person....

Angela said...

What an interesting story about the old mill!

George said...

This ia a fascinating old building with a great history. I'm glad it's been given a new lease on life.

Randy said...

Great building and I really love that sculpture.

Indrani said...

Good the mill is still in use. Interesting sculpted piece.

Kay L. Davies said...

Interesting story about the mill. Underwear and condoms, eh? Whodathunkit?
— K

Kay, Alberta, Canada
An Unfittie's Guide to Adventurous Travel

Arija said...

Another of your great posts. Such a pity the mill no longer generates it's original product, I'd be first in line for some fur lined long-johns.

Sylvia K said...

Fascinating place/history and a wonderful post for the day! I'm so glad you're joining us for another round of My World! Forgive my being so late, had one of those appointments you can't skip! Hope you have a wonderful week!

Sylvia

Anonymous said...

What a great sculpture - so thoughtful! And a lovely building!

Joyful said...

Some very interesting shots. I like them all!

Lorna said...

I don't know which was more rewarding today, the post or the comments.

Sandra Carlier said...

I love the places like this one! The buildings with a second birth, a place for art! The sculpture looks beautiful and I like this representation of "Mystery of life" !

Yogi♪♪♪ said...

I love it when interesting old buildings are converted to new uses. Interesting sculpture also.

Jackie said...

Interesting the changes of use that some buildings go through, good that it is still being used.

The sculpture is definitely not my 'cup of tea.'

Gattina said...

From a condom factory to a Creative Art Studio is quiet a way, lol ! Very nice pictures !

lotusleaf said...

Beautiful pictures, and interesting history!

Francisca said...

A versatile and handsome building: from fleece-lined underwear (ouch, itchy!) to condoms (but did the boys use them?) to art studio. That's a nice space for the symbolic statue.

Unknown said...

I'm glad they're using the building again. :0) Condoms and balloons? Funny!!

MarieElizabeth said...

Great first shot of the old building, neat bit of history too, thanks!

SandyCarlson said...

That sculpture is amazing. Thanks for joining us!

Kathie Brown said...

I love old mills and this one looks just perfect for an art studio! Love the sculpture and the idea behind it!

LindyLouMac said...

Calling by from Our World Tuesday, I am delighted to be part of this community and look forward to sharing photos with you wearing a different hat :)
Fascinating post, it is great when old buildings are reused and given new life.

eileeninmd said...

What a neat place to visit, I love the outdoor sculptures.

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East Gwillimbury is a rural town less than an hour north of Toronto, Canada's largest city. My family calls me CameraGirl because I take my camera with me wherever I go.